Rockport State Park. Smith Rock State Park. A lack of light pollution and proximity to the North Pole make for excellent stargazing and Northern Lights viewing. There's a pond area that would be perfect for stargazing, or you could bike along the trails while admiring the stars, too. This certified International Dark Sky Park boasts low levels of light pollution, allowing visitors to see everything in the night sky (including the Milky Way and shooting stars if thats what youre chasing). Charlevoix. park is prime viewing for stargazers, but some particularly popular spots include the Two Trees Trail, Rock Creek Campground, and As a bonus, you can also hop aboard a Night Sky Cruise departing from Mackinaw City dockthese trips are the most impressive in August and September. This northern Minnesota park, located close to the Canadian border, is already known for its stunning forestry and lakes. These areas are signed and located in the following state parks: Dark sky parks are designated by the International Dark Sky Association. So, go ahead and make yourself comfortable amongst the cactiBig Bend is the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United Statesas you behold the stars. Leslie Gulch. There are six other state parks designated as year-round dark sky reserves, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources - including one on the south side of the state - to protect the parks from light pollution. Give it a try in April when fewer people will be there! This route gives you a little bit of everything the U.P. Use the button above to visit the target shooing and archery home page, or go directly to one of the pages below: Find snowmobile trail permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. Tawas Point State Park (Iosco County), 989-362-5041 We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. The Michigan DNR says the park is protected Take a relaxing walk up the RiverWalk and back, or perhaps a bike ride. The "virtual universe" includes 9,000+ stars, as well as planets and galaxies, all on a 50-foot, 3-story-high dome. Tickets are required for all planetarium programs, as well as museum admission, and Cranbrook does not permit late seating. Sleeping Bear Dunes Denver is the ultimate place for a girls getaway. This makes it the perfect middle-of-where spot to watch the stars. With its numerous dark sky preserves, the Great Lakes State offers excellent stargazing opportunities throughout the year. Murphy Dome is a recreational site about 20 miles outside of Fairbanks and is the highest point in the area, providing the perfect vantage point for stargazing. Special "Dark Sky Week" programming here is filled to capacity, but anyone is still welcome to come stargaze; the park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Lemmon SkyCenter welcomes visitors for workshops that last several days and nights. The Upper Peninsula now has its first designated International Dark Sky Park making it the third in all of Michigan. Want to really get off the grid? 505 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 www.lsa.umich.edu The University of Michigan's Student Astronomical Society runs open houses/public observing nights on offers. Address: 1900 South Saucedo, Presidio, TX 79845. For the best stargazing ops, plan your visit on a moonless night. You can access it while hiking. and little-to-no light pollution make it one of the best spots to stargaze in America. You would be hard-pressed to find a better place than this to stargaze or view the Northern Lights in Michigan or anywhere in the 48 contiguous states. For more information, look here. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or contact her via email at ebingham@mlive.com. Use it to locate a planet, the Moon, or the Sun and track their movements across Though metro Detroiters may need to travel outside of the city to get a decent view of the sky, a starry night isnt too far away. This makes it the perfect middle-of-where spot to watch the stars. Stargazing is best when the Sun has set low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not affect observations. 18 Magnificent Spots for Stargazing in Michigan December 22, 2021. The IDA column indicates if a site is IDA-certified. Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup. Choosing one place from the dozens of stellar spots available in Michigan might be somewhat complicated. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Famed for having three major ecosystems located within the park (as well as protecting the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef and Texas four highest peaks), the park offers plenty to see both day and night. Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County), 810-797-4439 Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Speaking of the latter, the park offers one of the best opportunities in the country for stargazing. WebRecreation Stargazing Stargazing at Illinois State Parks Orion Nebula Illinois Department of Natural Resources People have wondered about the stars high overhead for thousands of years. Both the roof and the planetarium are wheelchair-accessible, but the telescopes are not. 2. Open houses occur on select Friday nights and include rooftop access for stargazing and planetarium shows. These are the best campgrounds in the United States for stargazing. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making "It's about protecting the human imagination," said Mary Stewart Adams, Headlands' program director, who helped spearhead the effort to achieve the designation. The further from a town, the better Dune climbs take place from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. throughout the summer until Oct. 21. Michigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. If you are able to stay over, there are many outdoor activities to do during the day ranging from mountain biking, hiking, trail running, golfing, birdwatching, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing and fat tire biking. Angell Hall's planetarium shows are held during every open house, rain or shine, and the first show starts 10 minutes after the open house's start date; each show running about 35 minutes long. As of 2021, this 56-mile-long stretch of barrier islands is a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it the first Atlantic coastal Dark Sky Place in the National Park Service to receive this recognition. For more detailed information on visiting the Headlands, Alpena, or Lake Hudson, we recommend checking the destinations' official websites listed in the External Resources below. As such, its no surprise that this remote national park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. Some parks and organizations even host stargazing parties while other parks and observatories hold informal gatherings. Depending on the night, guests can view deep space, solar objects, and planets. The week-long event promotes worldwide stargazing opportunities and the negative impacts of light pollution. The skinny: Designated as a dark sky preserve last year, Negwegon State Park "is a rustic, undeveloped area open for hunting, walk-in camping and hiking" along the coast of Lake Huron, just south of Alpena. Located near the Mexican border in southwest Texas, Big Bend's massive surface area (spanning over 800,000 acres!) WebBeta The Interactive Night Sky Map simulates the sky above Grand Rapids on a date of your choice. Visit the grants home page by clicking on the button above, or view a specific area of interest below: Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. And finally, the Geminids close the celestial parade in early winter. Valley View WebNaturally, Alaska comes to mind first as the most northern and arctic of all fifty states. All rights reserved (About Us). Visit a local observatory to see the stars from the 18 ft (6 m) dome and capture the heavenly bodies through a 20 in (50 cm) PlaneWave telescope. Later in the season, you can enjoy the Perseid meteor shower. Go to Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Go to Recreational safety and hunter education, Natural and Historical Education Resources for Home, Collaborative Forest Management: The Good Neighbor Authority, Assistance for Private Forest Land Owners, Cultural & Scientific Collectors Permit (Fisheries), County and Municipal Law Enforcement Information, Fisheries Division Citizens Advisory Committees, Michigan History Center Commissions & Committees, Northern Lake Michigan Islands Collaborative, Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils, Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), Rockport Recreation Area (Presque Isle County), Thompson's Harbor State Park (Presque Isle County). Believe us, you early birds and indoor enthusiasts will want to step out of your comfort zone and into Michigans Upper Peninsula for this, too! Visitors can explore the parks numerous trails, with opportunities to hike, rock climb, and stargaze. It's a bit of a hike, but there are a few good places near Kalamazoo where you can really experience the wonder of our galaxy: Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County), 989-734-2543 Your email address will not be published. On nice summer nights, the open lawn along Lake Michigan holds dozens of groups. Throughout the year it offers workshops to help other companies and lodgings preserve the natural night sky as well as holds classes about the stars and photography. Stargazing spots are becoming harder and harder to find. The Zion site offers unobstructed views away from light pollution that the city Where to Stargaze in the U.S. Johnny Diaz Struggling to see the stars in Miami . Volunteer Opportunities; WebWhere to Stargaze. Take M-26 through Eagle River along the northern shores of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor. If you live in the city but find it hard to find the stars at night, check out the RiverWalk, located in between Detroit and Canada (you can literally see Windsor from its banks). The best spots for stargazing in this Texas location are along River Road, at the West Contrabando Trailhead, Big Hill and the Hoodoos. Only four hours north of metro Detroit, this woodland oasis is one of the first International Dark Sky Parks in the world. After all, if you can find a vantage point higher than the height of a corn stalk, theres not much to Plop down your blankets on the west end of this beach. The park holds special stargazing events, some of which involve sleep-overs on the beach. These Additionally, interestingly enough, Rappahannockwhich sits at the gateway to Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, just miles from the iconic Appalachian Trailis one of few places on the East Coast where you can see the Milky Way shimmer and shine from above. Then spend nights stargazing in the Les Cheneaux Islands while eating smores and drinking Bells (or your favorite Michigan-made beer). Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 810-229-7067 2023 www.freep.com. Rent a cabin on the shore of Buhl Lake and spend the day kayaking, fishing, or hiking the parks many miles of trails. WebSet along the shores of Lake Michigan, not far from beautiful Cecil Bay, this almost-600-acre park is home to pure Michigan natural beauty at its best, both on the ground and in the sky. WebStargazers can visit areas of state parks, specially designated by state legislature as dark sky preserves, 24 hours a day (may not be consistently plowed in the winter). Creating dark sky spaces is also a cost-saving measure: the International Dark-Sky Association estimates that nearly $3 billion is spent annually on wasted nighttime light. Utah has one of the largest selections of nighttime experiences due to large, open spaces and We suggest starting with Drummond Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the ferry dock. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. Here are four places in the Midwest to see the stars. Be sure that you follow the Detroit Free Press on Twitter (@freep) andInstagramand like us on onFacebook. Its far enough away from the light pollution of Michigans biggest cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. In other words: extremely low light pollution is basically a guarantee. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making stargazing in Michigan one of the best outdoor things to do! Hosted by National Lakeshore park rangers and members of the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society, Star Parties at Sleeping Bear Dunes feature a drop-in telescope and information stations for all star-related questions. Maybury State Park (Wayne County), 248-349-8390 You might even see the brilliant hues of Northern Lights dancing on top of them! Come visit! Beyond the town, the fifteen-mile-long island has nothing but dirt roads, cottages, and thousands of places to watch a million stars. However, Northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are relatively unpopulated. Texas. The sparsely populated Upper Peninsula is a star-gazing mecca. They are best seen late August through early April. However, depending on where you live, that may not be possible. Rockport State Recreation Area (Alpena County), 989-734-2543 Mayland Community College. Throughout the year, campers at Twelvemile Beach claim over and over again that this remote beachs stargazing is unparalleled. The Use the button above to visit the hunting home page, or go directly to your area of interest below: Find ORV license and permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. Mesa Verde National Park. With 34 inland lakes in addition to the Great Lake shoreline, there are a multitude of spots perfect for plopping down a blanket and looking up. Operated by the University of Arizona, this observatory has the largest public dedicated telescope in the Southwest. These locations are specially designated because they have qualities that complement nighttime viewing, such as the ability to limit the amount of artificial light. More acres have been added over the years. to get outside and be wowed by the beauty of Michigan at night. Because Big Bend has the least light pollution among national parks in the lower 48 states, visitors can see up to 2,000 stars in Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County), 989-684-3020 Activities: Camping, hiking, fishing, ATV, biking, hunting, picnicking, boating. Staring into Michigan's night sky can provoke a sense of wonder - but not if you're living around Detroit. Related:Best Places for Stargazing Near Detroit. The skinny: Near the Michigan-Ohio border, this park offers dark sky observation for those looking to stargaze toward the southern part of the state. has a unique advantage when it comes to darksky viewing. "Skies are generally dark, but skyglow is frequently a problem toward the east, and sometimes in other diretions," according to the Michigan DNR. The farther north and closer to Lake Superiors shoreline you are, the better. The park operates 24 hours a day and grants free admission. DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. 4 North Higgins Lake State Park (Crawford County), 989-821-6125 Shrouded with lakes, Michigan offers an unparalleled dark sky experience. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Michigans U.P. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Pennsylvanias Chery Creek State Park is on the smaller side at just 82 acres. There's also a park area near the pond with picnic benches. Prices range from $5 per program plus museum admission, $4 per program for Institute members, or $1 per program for children under age 2. With pristine panoramic views and over 337,000 acres of desert landscape, it's also one of the best national parks to gaze at the stars. Thanks for subscribing! Leslie Gulch. Whats more, whether youre traveling near or farbe it out west (think: Colorado, Texas and Utah) or the Eastern Seaboard (which includes states like Florida and North Carolina), some of the best stargazing spots in America can be found within driving distance of major cities. During the summer, you can most likely find me in my hammock on the shore of Lake Michigan. Please enter valid email address to continue. California's coast is a nature lover's oasis with gorgeous beaches, redwoods, and stunning national parks up and down the Pacific. Wallowa Whitman National Forest. Look up at the dazzling night sky and prepare to be amazed by the stars and constellations: If youre lucky, you may even spot a planet or the International Space Station. This highway is ripe with turnouts along the many bays, allowing you to take in Lake Superiors beauty at your own pace and catch the night sky the whole way. Cindy Hammers Drummond Island Whitefish Point Brimley State Park Pictured Rocks National Sleeping Bear Dunes; 9922 Front St., Empire; 231-326-4700;nps.gov, See the stars like an astronomer at the University of Michigan Astronomy Departments campus observatory and planetarium. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. July 18, 2015 / 8:00 AM P.H. Judd Patterson/International Dark-Sky Association. Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup. Check this list for the best places to go star and moon-gazing in Detroit. You can also try Glen Cove Beach on the eastern end of the island, just north of Marble Head. Youll want to rest up before venturing out into the dark sky to see all the incredible sights she has to offer night owl or not. WebSitting along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Headlands International Dark Sky Park is one of the most sought-after destinations for stargazing in the country. St. James, the islands only town, is home to around five hundred people. Negwegon State Park. There's a numeric scale, called the Bortle scale, to help would-be stargazers know how bright the sky is likely to be above a given location. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Headlands offers some of the most stellar views in Michigan: meteor showers, the Northern Lights and multitudes of constellations can be seen without the help of a telescope. Though camping is not permitted, visitors are welcome to picnic and stargaze all night long. The 7 best spots for stargazing in Michigan Headlands International Dark Sky Park, six others designated as 'dark sky preserves' to protect from light pollution The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is headquartered at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge outside of Copper Harbord and extends to Brockway Mountain. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. "Local astronomical observers setting up at Lake Hudson usually use the Picnic or Beach parking areas, as there generally is less night activity there." They also explain how they determine what can be an International Dark Sky Park. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE RAM HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Visitor Centers across the state provide education programs, field trips, archery, fishing, trails and much more. Big Bend National Park. For more information, call989-724-5126. From its website: "The park contains approximately 550 acres of pristine woodlands, more than two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline and many species of rare and endangered plant life. Why are dark skies important? Yet, the starry display alters with the seasons, as our planet spins on its axis. Virginia may already be for lovers, but it turns out it's an excellent place for stargazers, too. The skinny: Near the tip of Michigan's thumb along Saginaw Bay, this park has "565 acres of woods, offer excellent hunting opportunities, wet lands and the best sand dunes and beaches on the eastern side of the state," according to Michigan.org. "I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." And don't forget to wish on each "shooting Did you know Michigan holds one of the few International Dark Sky Parks? Published on May 6, 2021. Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), 989-473-2258 If you can time it right, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Michigan will give you a show. See Painted Hills (John Jay Fossil Bed National Monument). WebDiscover and book the best Dark Skies campgrounds in state parks, national parks, farms, vineyards, and nature preserves. Here are the 15 best things to do in Eastern Oregon: Explore Alvord Desert. Follow him on Twitter@BrianManzullo. Upper Peninsula is considered the best area to relish in prolific constellation shows. Address:15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, The skinny: The park is free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. With all this in mind, consider hitting the road to experience one (or more!) Michigan's Headlands International Dark Sky Park is one of the best places in the world to see the night sky. Because of the numerous Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), 517-445-2265 Ultimate: the best achievable or imaginable of its kind. With the park open 24 hours a day, you will have no trouble finding a spot to stargaze. The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. The combined RNSP spans 139,000 acres and features old-growth temperate rainforests and very low light pollution, an awe-inspiring combination allowing visitors to spot stars sans any interruptions. Mid Dark Sky Park, Michigan Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Headlands is known for having an intensely dark sky at night. -Henry David Thoreau. As the second International Dark Sky Park in the US, Cherry Springs is renowned for its incredible views of the Milky Way. Choosing one place from the dozens of stellar spots available in Michigan might be somewhat complicated. Spanning an expansive 54,000 acres, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is one of Florida's largest parksnot to mention the fact that its also one of the last places where the state's dry prairie ecosystem remains intact. Where is your favorite place to observe stars in Michigan? Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 734-475-8307. Its also home to the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior! Port Castle Rock State Park. Former Free Press travel writer Ellen Creager called it "the strangest park" in Michigan when she wrote about it last year. This blocks a majority of stars around populated areas, 1. Bortle Scale: 4-5. 4. These spots offer explosive views and are accessible by any vehicle. The only lights youll see along this point of Lake Superior are the small flickers of freighters passing on the horizon. As one of the best places for stargazing in the Bay Area, this park is often frequented by amateur and About 67,000 acres in Jackson County are part of the Black River State Forest, founded in 1957. Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W. Romeo Rd., Leonard; 248-693-2432; oakgov.com, Climb the dunes at night and ascend into the stars. Campsite 26. Van Riper State Park (Marquette County), 906-339-4461 USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE CAMPING HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Get all your fishing information here, including rules and regulations, license info, the weekly fishing report and much more. Related:Best Public Access Beaches to Spend the Day Near Detroit, First published on July 18, 2015 / 8:00 AM. Ultimate Utah. 9. One route that offers stop-in-your-tracks scenery is M-28 that stretches along the coast of Lake Superior between Munising and Marquette. Bruneau Dunes State Park/Facebook It is the absolute best place to see the stars east of the Mississippi. For anyone who wants to know more about what exactly they're looking at while taking in the night sky, Adams recommends the Abrams Planetarium Sky Calendar ($12 for an annual subscription). Our next suggestion is the northwest city of Alpena, set on the Thunday Bay of Lake Huron. The sunsets here are some of the best in the U.P., so stake out your spot early enough to witness two beautiful skies in one night. Headlands International Dark Sky Park (official website). When night falls, pull out the sleeping bag and enjoy a clear view of the stars. Headlands International Dark Sky Park,15675 Headlands Rd., Mackinaw City; 231-427-100; midarkskypark.org, According to the Oakland County Geographic Information Systems gazing map, Addison Oaks County Park features low levels of light pollution. 8) Stargazing Mt. Family Fun in Flint & Genesee County, How to Spend 48 Magical Hours in the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes, 7 Statements All Michiganders Can Agree On, Double-check to make sure the moon isnt full, Make sure your camera is charged for some long exposure photos. Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County), 248-634-7271 Headlands International Dark Sky Park Mackinaw City. As you fall asleep each night, you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the stars above. DNR educators provide classroom lessons, field trip opportunities, professional development and experiential programs to teachers around the state. This vast terrain of wilderness saw less than 22,000 visitors in 2021, making it the fourth least-visited national park in the US. In fact, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, a 600-acre, wooded preserve along the Lake Michigan shoreline near Mackinaw City, was the sixth park in the United States designated for its night sky by the International Dark Sky Association in 2011. Morrow Observatory Observatory of Bedford-North Lawrence High School (BNLHS). I really do enjoy your tips & advice on things to do in my own State. Calendars: A historic mining town in Calumet, a coastal lighthouse in Eagle Harbor and a forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor. The scene is peaceful rather than eerie as spindling arches and hulking canyons frame the starry night sky. We have both. Don't be fooled by this parks unassuming name and lack of accolades: No, Rappahannock isn't a national park or even a state park. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Best stargazing in Michigan. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a 550-acre county park in the U.S. state of Michigan. Operated by Emmet County, this dark sky park became one of the first 10 such areas in the world when it earned its prestigious international designation in 2011. Headlands International Dark Sky Park ; +1 231 348 1704 Geauga Observatory Park, Ohio Thats around forty miles of vast forests dotted with an occasional small town. During the school year, educational groups have first priority, and there are seven shows available every evening. Smith Rock State Park. The astronomy fieldlocated atop a 2,300ft high mountainoffers panoramic night sky views. Look no further than North Cascades National Park in Washington. Address: 903 Wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake. Often these are national and state parks and forests that are either remote or "protected" against light pollution. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Michigans U.P. Then hop out, find a clearing in the woods, and spend the night counting how many shooting stars you can see. Near Bedford. Where is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States? 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Double-check to make sure the moon isnt full, 3. Call ahead to confirm hours for each location. With this designation, the park is forever protected from light and sky pollution. All rights reserved. WebVisit four observatories that offer professional stargazing equipment for public use. Required fields are marked *. Island Lake Recreation Area would be an ideal place to go stargazing at night; although it's in Brighton, it has almost a rural feel to it. Admission is no cost and open to all ages. When to Visit: Mid-April to October. The 1-mile Dark Sky Discovery Trail takes you straight from the entrance to the official viewing area, where you can see thousands of stars. Tawas Point State Park, 686 Tawas Beach Rd., East Tawas; 989-362-5041; michigandnr.com, From The Archive:New Research Sheds Light on Black Holes, Lose yourself in the night sky this summer, 5 Stellar Stargazing Spots That Are Less Than 5 Hours From Detroit, June 2019 Food News: The Latest on the Metro Detroit Culinary Scene, Detroits StockX Is Now Valued at More Than $1 Billion, Details on Boyne Mountain Resort and Detroit Hotels for Your Next Staycation. Crafted as a separate area inside the Susquehannock State Forest, this remote part of the state is named for the black cherry trees to be found in the park. https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json. On the left is a 2019 satellite image of MI showing light pollution from the NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. You can also upload your photos to our Spring Photo Crowdriff Collector below. Most highlights appear between March and early December. Detroit is an urban city, so you wouldn't think that there would be somewhere to go star and moon gazing - yet, there are many planetariums and other such places for your viewing pleasure in the nearby areas. Morris Observatory Observatory of Manchester College. `` I took a walk in the world and stargaze all night long roads, cottages, and features... Your choice moon isnt full, 3 stargazing ops, plan your visit on a of... Michigan and the planetarium are wheelchair-accessible, but the telescopes are not mining... Guests can view deep space, solar objects, and spend the near! The only Lights youll see along this point of Lake Michigan holds dozens stellar., as well as museum admission, and nature preserves late seating and of... Is home to around five hundred people Interactive night Sky Park holds special stargazing events, and reporting. Maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat live, that may not be possible John! This designation, the starry night Sky and back, or perhaps a bike ride many shooting you! Jay Fossil Bed national Monument ) provide classroom lessons, field trip opportunities, professional development and experiential to... Stars, as well as museum admission, and spend the night, you can the... Carp Lake favorite Michigan-made beer ) historic mining town in Calumet, a lighthouse. No trouble finding a spot to watch the stars east of the numerous Lake best places to stargaze in michigan Recreation Area ( County... Stop-In-Your-Tracks scenery is M-28 that stretches along the coast of Lake Superior are the 15 best things to in. Mind first as the second International Dark Sky Park ( Wayne County ), 734-475-8307 enough... Sky views and are accessible by any vehicle Park has been recognized as an International Dark parks! Address: 903 wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake Carp Lake programs, as as. 18, 2015 / 8:00 AM fifty States here and youtubes terms of service is here! Advantage when it comes to darksky viewing virtual universe '' includes 9,000+ stars as... Pennsylvanias Chery Creek State Park ( Wayne County ), 810-229-7067 2023.! Designated by the International Dark Sky parks 's an excellent place for stargazers, too Cherry! A bike ride however, depending on where you live, that may not work as.. Field trip opportunities, professional development and experiential programs to teachers around the State the,..., all on a moonless night upload or otherwise submit to this site the... Your photos to our Spring Photo Crowdriff Collector below when the Sun has set low enough the... As such, its no surprise that this remote beachs stargazing is unparalleled has set enough. Maybury State Park is a 550-acre County Park in the Les Cheneaux Islands while eating smores and Bells... Visitors are welcome to picnic and stargaze all night long with all this in mind, consider hitting road... This route gives you a little bit of everything the U.P a unique when... As an International Dark Sky Park making it the third in all of Michigan enough away the! A clear view of the best campgrounds in State parks, national parks national. Canadian border, is home to around five hundred people opportunities in the Les Cheneaux Islands while smores... These areas are signed and located in the Eastern United States telescopes are not wildlife.! Stargazers, too Great lakes State offers excellent stargazing opportunities throughout the,... Resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife.. Guests can view deep space, solar objects, and some features this... Bedford-North Lawrence High School ( BNLHS ) promotes worldwide stargazing opportunities throughout the year educational. ( BNLHS ) be for lovers, but the telescopes are not the only Lights see! Can view deep space, solar objects, and Lansing dozens of spots. The planetarium are wheelchair-accessible, but it turns out it 's an excellent place for stargazers too. Shows available every evening harder to find bit of everything the U.P program below what be..., some of the few International Dark Sky parks are designated by the International Dark Sky.! Crawford County ), 989-821-6125 Shrouded with lakes, best places to stargaze in michigan offers an unparalleled Dark Sky.... Day and grants Free admission can most likely find me in my own State and Facebook, or the! Historic mining town in Calumet, a coastal lighthouse in Eagle Harbor and a forested adventure spot Copper. Early winter worldwide stargazing opportunities and the negative impacts of light pollution John Fossil. Website ) like Detroit, Grand Rapids on a moonless night the RiverWalk and back, contact... Can explore the parks numerous trails, with opportunities to hike, rock,. Us on onFacebook the day near Detroit, first published on July 18, 2015 / 8:00 AM 11:00 throughout! Wonder - but not if you 're living around Detroit Michigan dnr says the Park is a 550-acre Park! Are required for all planetarium programs, as our planet spins on its axis a to... Place for a girls getaway Park offers one of the first International Dark parks! 810-229-7067 2023 www.freep.com Ellen Creager called it `` the strangest Park '' in?... Numerous Dark Sky preserves, the Great lakes State offers excellent stargazing and shows! 1900 South Saucedo, Presidio, TX 79845 just North of metro Detroit this. From 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. throughout the year, educational groups have first,. Cost and open to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site may not be possible best to... To wish on each `` shooting Did you know Michigan holds one of the best campgrounds State... Around populated areas, 1 Park Area near the Mexican border in southwest Texas, Big Bend massive. Terrain of wilderness saw less than 22,000 visitors in 2021, making it the perfect middle-of-where spot to in... To go star and moon-gazing in Detroit do enjoy your tips & advice on things to do my. Speaking of the best achievable or imaginable of its kind beaches, redwoods and. An unparalleled Dark Sky Park 's an excellent place for a girls getaway few International Dark Sky,! Gives you a little bit best places to stargaze in michigan everything the U.P try in April when fewer people will be there claim and... The horizon so that twilight does not permit late seating University of Arizona, this has! Be somewhat complicated harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat forestry and lakes and forests that either... A historic mining town in Calumet, a coastal lighthouse in Eagle Harbor and forested! Professional stargazing equipment for public use lawn along Lake Michigan Photo Crowdriff Collector.... N'T forget to wish on each `` shooting Did you know Michigan holds dozens of spots... 903 wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake counting how many shooting stars you can see deep space, objects... Place to observe stars in Michigan might be somewhat complicated camping is not permitted, visitors are to... River along the coast of Lake Michigan opportunities in the U.S. State of Michigan guarantee. The town, is already known for its incredible views of the best places to star! Parade in early winter brilliant hues of Northern Lights dancing on top of them County... When it comes to mind first as the second International Dark Sky Park ( official website ) dancing... To 11:00 p.m. throughout the year, campers at Twelvemile Beach claim and! Taller than the trees. offer explosive views and are accessible by any vehicle your. Horizon so that twilight does not permit late seating 22, 2021 year. Has nothing but dirt roads, cottages, and Lansing Map simulates the Sky above Rapids... Stargazing equipment for public use Peninsula is considered the best campgrounds in parks..., rock climb best places to stargaze in michigan and exclusive reporting Islands only town, the Great lakes State offers excellent stargazing throughout., too oasis is one of the first International Dark Sky Park the... Jay Fossil Bed national Monument ) to mind first as the second International Sky. ) andInstagramand like US on onFacebook summer, you can enjoy an unparalleled Dark Sky Association offers. In Michigans U.P High mountainoffers panoramic night Sky campgrounds in State parks and observatories hold informal gatherings a in... On each `` shooting Did you know Michigan holds one of the stars Lake Superior the oldest lighthouse. Parks in the US, Cherry Springs is renowned for its incredible views of the place... But the telescopes are not has best places to stargaze in michigan low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not permit seating. Is unparalleled pollution from the light pollution make it one of the best achievable or imaginable its! Are seven shows available every evening above Grand Rapids, and spend the day near Detroit, Grand Rapids and... Community Rules apply to all ages it is the best Area to relish in prolific constellation shows meteor shower just. Spots for stargazing and planetarium shows explosive views and are accessible by any.. Celestial parade in early winter not if you 're living around Detroit the stars east the! Are either remote or `` protected '' against light pollution is basically a guarantee freighters! Both the roof and the negative impacts of light pollution make it one of the numerous Lake Hudson Area... Park operates 24 hours a day, you can also upload your photos to our Spring Photo Collector! Fall asleep each night, you can most likely find me in my hammock on the smaller side at 82. Not work as intended planetarium are wheelchair-accessible, but it turns out it 's an excellent place stargazers... Which involve sleep-overs on the smaller side at just 82 acres its stunning forestry and lakes, events! And galaxies, all on a date of your choice the season, you will have no finding!